Lionel Messi Extends Stay in MLS

Lionel Messi isn’t going anywhere from the MLS, at least not in the near future. The iconic football player, now 38, has agreed to a new multi-year contract with Inter Miami. This news came out after reports surfaced late Wednesday night.

Details of the deal are still being hammered out, but sources say negotiations are in the “final stage.” It’s interesting how close they are to wrapping it up.

According to another report, this new contract will likely keep Messi in Miami at least until 2027, making it about 85% complete as of now. However, the exact financial terms of the agreement remain unclear. This deal could possibly see him play in the MLS until the end of his career.

Once he hangs up his boots, Messi is expected to transition to a role within the Inter Miami ownership group. This was actually part of the original agreement when he first joined the club.

Messi made his debut in the U.S. in 2023 with a two-and-a-half-year contract set to expire at the end of this season. Since his arrival, Inter Miami has celebrated victories in both the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 Supporters Shield.

This season alone, Messi has participated in 21 league matches, netting 20 goals and providing 11 assists. It’s pretty impressive, to say the least.

As of now, while Messi’s new contract seems to be close, there’s still another big question looming for next summer: will he participate in the World Cup? He mentioned earlier this year that, given his age, it might be unlikely. Yet he still feels motivated to play, which is a good sign.

“I play games every day. I feel better every day,” Messi told the press. It just shows his dedication and passion for the sport, which has clearly been a huge part of his life.